Third Red Heifer Born in Jordan Valley as Israel Advances Toward Ritual Purity
The National Institute for the Study of the Red Heifer announced the birth of a third red heifer calf last week in the Jordan Valley, marking a significant step in efforts to restore ritual purity to Israel after 2,000 years of exile. On the Hebrew date Rosh Chodesh Elul 5786, a delegation of rabbis from the institute's Beit Midrash conducted thorough inspections of all three calves located in the Lower Galilee, the Golan Heights, and the Jordan Valley. The rabbinical team includes a diverse group of religious leaders from both Lithuanian Haredi and Hasidic backgrounds united in a national mission.
The first calf, named Temima, born in the Lower Galilee, was initially suspected of having a disqualifying ear tag defect. However, after detailed halachic and practical examination led by Rabbi Yechiel Tzur, it was confirmed that the ear hole is healing and does not constitute a disqualifying blemish. The second calf, located on a farm between the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights owned by Shai Givon, showed some questions regarding lighter hairs and a uterine complication due to being a twin. Rabbi Azaria Ariel, head of the Beit Midrash, expressed confidence that these issues do not disqualify the calf.
The third calf, born just last week in a farm near Shadmot Mehola, surprised observers with its reddish color despite being born to a black and white cow. The calf passed a comprehensive inspection with no defects and appears to be a perfect red heifer. Rabbi Azaria Ariel cited teachings of Rabbi Shimon about the possibility of finding an even more suitable red heifer after one is found, noting the recent births as a promising sign.
Yehuda Ben-Zvi, coordinator of the Beit Midrash, emphasized that while much work remains, including resolving about ten complex halachic questions and consulting leading Torah authorities, the nation is on a path toward growing a herd of red heifers. The ultimate goal is to restore ritual purity to Israel in a historic national event in Jerusalem, with plans to raise the calves until they mature into two-year-old red heifers.
The Institute continues to proceed carefully and responsibly, aiming for broad halachic consensus as it advances this religious and national project.
